Articles
The Cheerful Offering - 1 Chr. 26-29
The Cheerful Offering - 1 Chr. 26-29
Paul said: "God loves a cheerful giver" (2Cor. 9:7); and in this offering for the building of the temple we see what makes for such: they knew and recognized God.
They recognized that ALL things they 'possessed' actually belonged to God and came from God.
"“O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy name, it is from Your hand, and all is Yours." (1 Chronicles 29:16).
They recognized that God knows the very intent of their hearts.
"“Since I know, O my God, that You try the heart and delight in uprightness, I, in the integrity of my heart, have willingly offered all these things; so now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here, make their offerings willingly to You." (1 Chronicles 29:17).
They offered all of this to the LORD with a whole heart
"Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly." (1 Chronicles 29:9).
They understood that the temple that would be built from such offering was not for man, but for the LORD God'.
"Then King David said to the entire assembly, “My son Solomon, whom alone God has chosen, is still young and inexperienced and the work is great; for the temple is not for man, but for the Lord God." (1 Chronicles 29:1).
The temple and all of its items were purposed, designed, revealed by the LORD.
"“All this,” said David, “the Lord made me understand in writing by His hand upon me, all the details of this pattern.”" (1 Chronicles 28:19).
They trusted that in all their giving and labor to build, God would be with them:
"Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished." (1 Chronicles 28:20).
A cheerful offering comes from the foundation of knowing God and our eternal situation in concerning this life. It doesn't just happen; it comes from knowledge, thought, purpose, and choice. Are you a cheerful giver? Hugh DeLong
